Manchester United’s long-term absentee finally begins targeting return after unfortunate season

It’s highly unlikely that Tyrell Malacia will make an appearance for Manchester United this season, having been injured since the final day of the 2022/2023 Premier League campaign. 

The left-back’s absence has proven difficult to navigate at numerous times throughout the term, especially because counterpart Luke Shaw is also enduring an injury-plagued season of his own.

As such, Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka – at times even Sofyan Amrabat – have been forced to deputise on the left flank and away from their usual comforts. 

Malacia, 24, was Erik ten Hag’s first-ever signing at Old Trafford. While he was used sporadically in his maiden year, he provided much-needed depth to the squad. 

An unfortunate campaign for Malacia

His layoff has been considerably longer than initially expected due to the fact that the Dutchman required two separate surgeries to correct the damaged cartilage meniscus in his knee, as per Mail Sport. The report adds that Malacia has been continuing his recovery at Carrington and has set his sights on a long-awaited return by the start of the 2024/2025 campaign. 

Additionally, Mail labelled speculation of the defender battling mental health concerns alongside his injury as ‘wide of the mark’, though the effect of such a lengthy layoff will have undoubtedly presented ‘psychological challenges’.